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Severe blood shortage: Red Cross urgently needs eligible donors

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now.

The Red Cross also needs volunteer blood drive hosts to prevent the shortage from worsening in the winter.

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all types, especially type O and platelet donors, are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

“This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services.

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.